49ERS NOTEBOOK / Hearst close to reaching serious incentive money

Kevin Lynch

Published 4:00 am, Tuesday, December 18, 2001

Garrison Hearst is in line for a large incentive-clause payout should he crest the 1,200-yard rushing barrier. Hearst heads into Saturday's game with 1,042 yards. A league source said that under terms of Hearst's incentive- laden deal, his bonus would be worth between $400,000 and $500,000.

The 49ers don't discuss player incentives until the end of the season, but one executive didn't believe that figure was correct. Nevertheless, Hearst's big year is likely to earn him more money than he originally was due to make before a restructuring of his deal prior to the season.

The 49ers reduced his contract by $1.8 million and then installed incentives that, if reached, could pay him more than $2 million. The incentives are based on total yards rushing, pass receptions, playing time, yards per carry and team success, among other things.

OKEAFOR WANTS MORE: Starting for injured John Engelberger, third-year defensive end Chike Okeafor turned in the best game of his career Sunday with 2.5 sacks. Okeafor credited increased playing time for his better play.

"It's very important to be able to wear down your man and set your moves," Okeafor said of playing a consistent amount of snaps as he did Sunday. "I hope I can wear a guy down who weighs 320 pounds."

However, Okeafor said he can't dwell on the amount of his playing time. "It's a very mental game, and you have to stay positive," he said. "That negativity is energy you could use elsewhere."

Engelberger is fighting a heel injury. Coach Steve Mariucci said he isn't sure who will start at left end against Philadelphia.